On January 18, Novolukoml / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Construction of a 427 MW gas turbine plant has been launched today at the Lukomlskaya GRES, BELTA correspondent reports. "The construction of a modern plant at Lukomlskaya GRES with the participation of Chinese investors is a significant project not only for the Vitebsk region but for the whole of Belarus. This is a transition to modern, innovative technologies," said Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee Alexander Kosinets at the opening ceremony of construction works. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Belarus Gong Jianwei noted that the relations between Belarus and China are dynamically developing both politically and economically. China is grateful to Belarus for the support it provides on the international stage. In turn, China advocates for the preservation of Belarus's state sovereignty and economic independence. "This project will become a model for economic cooperation," the ambassador expressed his confidence. Deputy Minister of Energy of Belarus Yuri Rymashevsky stated that thanks to the construction of the gas turbine plant, Lukomlskaya GRES will transition to modern electricity generation technologies. He also added that significant investment projects implemented in Belarus's energy sector are carried out with the participation of Chinese investors. In particular, this refers to the Minsk CHPP, wind turbines, and projects at the Lukomlskaya and Berezovskaya power plants. The implementation of the Belarusian-Chinese investment project at Lukomlskaya GRES – a gas turbine plant (GTP) – will save 242 thousand tons of conventional fuel per year, which will amount to Br513 billion in monetary terms. Natural gas is used as fuel for the gas turbine plant. The advantage of the plant is the high efficiency of the gas turbine cycle – 57%, while the 300 MW blocks of the GRES have an efficiency of 39.4%. Gas turbine plants consume less water per unit of electricity generated and are more environmentally friendly. The construction of the 400 MW GTP is carried out based on the decree of the head of state and the contract concluded between RUP "Vitebskenergo" and China National Corporation for Import and Export of Machinery and Equipment for the comprehensive construction of a 427 MW gas turbine power unit at Lukomlskaya GRES. The unit will be commissioned in June 2014. -0-

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